Category: Bedford

Author: Bev RimmerPublished 4 hours agoFour people have been arrested after a serious disturbance in Little Billington, Bedfordshire, where three men were left seriously injured.It happened in the street on Gypsy Lane on Wednesday 20 May.The victims are in a stable condition in hospital. Bedfordshire Police say they have also recovered several weapons, including machete-style knives. On Thursday 21 May, two men in their 50s were arrested in Hemel Hempstead and High Wycombe, on suspicion of conspiring to commit murder.An 18-year-old man and a 19-year-old woman were arrested in London on suspicion of the same offence. Detective Superintendent David Skarratts, investigating, said: “Incidents of this nature are understandably concerning for our community, and we are pursuing a number of lines of enquiry. “We would encourage anyone with information, or who may have dashcam footage from the area at the time of the incident, to contact us.” Bedfordshire Police can be contacted on the non-emergency 101 number, and anonymous reports can be made to Crimestoppers.

Four newly-trained police dogs are set to help tackle crime across Hertfordshire and neighbouring counties after officially joining the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Dog Unit.PD Murphy, PD Madden, PD Dixon and PD Muzza completed an intensive 13-week training course before graduating at a special ceremony held at Hertfordshire Constabulary headquarters earlier this month.The dogs and their handlers – Sergeant Dan Amos, PC Dale Jenkins, PC Josh Westgate and PC Liam Mandrell – demonstrated their new skills in front of guests before being formally presented with certificates.During the course, the dogs were trained in scent tracking, searching, obedience, agility, chasing and detaining suspects.Two of the dogs were named in memory of former officers from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Armed Policing Unit who died last year.PD Muzza honours former PC Paul Murray, who served for 24 years, while PD Murphy was named after Sergeant Dan Murphy, who began his policing career as a cadet at just 16 years old before rising through the ranks to Sergeant.Family members of both officers attended the ceremony and were presented with commemorative plaques.Chief Superintendent Jon Hutchinson paid tribute to the two officers during the event, praising their professionalism, commitment to public service and dedication to protecting communities across the three counties.

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The breeders of PD Dixon were also invited to the ceremony and received a certificate recognising their contribution to police dog breeding.Police dogs play a major role in frontline policing, helping officers search for suspects, recover evidence and locate missing people.Chief Inspector Declan McDonagh, head of the BCH Dog Unit, said he was “incredibly proud” to welcome the four new dogs to the team.He added: “The training course is intense, and the handlers and their respective families invest considerable time and effort into developing the dogs and successfully achieving their accreditations. I am very much looking forward to watching them develop in their operational roles.”

A community-owned football club in Bedfordshire has secured a fresh look for the upcoming season after netting a sponsorship deal with a local housebuilder.Barratt Homes has provided funding for brand-new home and away strips for Dunstable Town Women FC. The club is based close to the developer’s Linmere site in Houghton Regis, and the support reflects the company’s commitment to grassroots sport.

The investment comes during a period of significant growth for the women’s game across the UK. Recent figures show that 90 per cent of schools now offer girls equal access to football, hitting a nationwide target ahead of schedule.Interest in the sport has continued to surge following the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 Final at Wembley. The success of the Lionesses has inspired a new generation of players, contributing to a five per cent increase in women participating in football compared to pre-tournament levels.Beyond the pitch, Dunstable Town FC champions mental and physical health through its Improving the Lives of Others programme, supporting 120 people weekly across eight community groups. Building on this impact, the club delivers the #YouAreEnough programme, empowering clubs to train mental health ambassadors and provide vital mental health first aid support.The donation comes from The Barratt Redrow Foundation, the housebuilder’s charity partnership, which supports children, young people and those most disadvantaged across the UK.Marc Woolfe, sales and marketing director at Barratt David Wilson North Thames, said: “The Lionesses’ success in recent years has seen an increase in the numbers of women and girls joining local football teams, so we are hugely excited to be sponsoring Dunstable Town Women’s FC.

“We can’t wait to see the team in their new kits, and wish them luck in their upcoming games.”Luke Mitchell, director of youth section and youth development at Dunstable Town Women FC, added: “The success of the Lionesses has undoubtedly brought women’s football into the spotlight. “While the attention is welcomed, it’s financial support like this that enables us to support women and girls in the football community – both fans and players.”Funding new kits is a great way to back our team, giving our players that extra boost of pride as they take to the field next season.”Location: Dunstable, Bedfordshire

Norfolk Bowls Association’s annual county tour proved a major success on and off the green as the county side completed an unbeaten five-day trip to Bedfordshire.Tour manager John Mason hailed the week as a memorable occasion after Norfolk won all five fixtures while also enjoying a packed social programme and raising money for charity.The tour began on Monday when a party of 24 players travelled from Norwich’s County Arts Bowls Club to Luton Bowls Club for the opening match.The Norfolk team at WilsteadNorfolk made an immediate impression by winning on four of the six rinks and claiming a convincing 109-73 success.Top rink honours went to Charlie Evans, John Mason, Paul Brandon and Terry Hartley, who produced a dominant 26-10 victory.Following the match, the tourists travelled to their hotel in Letchworth, which served as their base for the rest of the week.Action shot at KempstonTuesday’s itinerary included a stop at the Shuttleworth Collection before the afternoon fixture against Wilstead Bowls Club.Players spent two hours exploring the attraction’s vintage aircraft, cars and motorcycles before returning to bowling action. Norfolk continued their impressive form with a comfortable 127-88 win at Wilstead. Barry Bond, Peter Cottee, Chris Reynalds and Pete Deeley starred with a superb 27-4 triumph after conceding just four shots.NBA president Chris Rowe on the footplate of a steam train at Leighton BuzzardThe tourists enjoyed another excursion on Wednesday with a visit to the Leighton Buzzard Steam Railway.Players travelled along the three-mile route before being shown around the locomotive sheds.Rain later interrupted the afternoon clash with Linslade Bowls Club, forcing the match to be shortened. Despite difficult wet conditions, Norfolk still emerged ahead 79-72. Graham Benefer, Malcolm Nicholson, Rollie Cawdell and Pete Deeley were the top rink in a 21-6 victory, although Linslade provided the county side with their sternest test up to that point.Thursday’s warm-up match against Kempston Bowls Club again went Norfolk’s way as they adapted well to a more difficult surface to secure a 124-79 success. Harry Geary, Steve Jones, Paul Brandon and Barney Wymer recorded the biggest rink win of the tour with a remarkable 35-5 scoreline.The week concluded with the main event against Bowls Bedfordshire at Maulden Bowls Club. Having won all four previous matches, Norfolk knew they faced a tougher challenge, and Bedfordshire made the stronger start. However, Norfolk gradually fought back on what players described as a superb surface, edging ahead end by end before sealing a 102-93 victory.Barry Bond, Steve Jones, Alan Bewson-Nutt and Mick Harvey led the way with a 21-8 rink success.NBA president Chris Rowe praised both the bowling and social side of the trip and revealed £520 had been raised for his charity of the year.“This result has topped off a great and memorable week,” he said. Five players remained unbeaten throughout the tour – Peter Cottee, Paul Brandon, Graham Benefer, Pete Deeley and Malcolm Nicholson, with Nicholson also collecting the Player of the Tour award.Mason thanked the players and host clubs for their support and said plans were already underway for the 2027 tour, which will take place from May 17-21.Anyone interested in joining next year’s tour or seeking further information can contact John Mason on 07730 281318 or by email at johnmasonk2@gmail.comWe have launched a twice-weekly newsletter covering sport in Fenland and West Norfolk.To subscribe, visit: https://www.lynnnews.co.uk/newsletterNBA president with Bowls Bedfordshire president Keith JonesNorfolk players relaxing with Chris Reynalds (Downham Market) front right and Max Harrison (Downham Market) second left.

Victim left with potentially life-changing injuries after confrontation on the A6 in BedfordshireAuthor: Poppi AndelinPublished 4 hours agoLast updated 4 hours agoPolice are appealing for witnesses after a man suffered serious injuries during an attack on a road in Luton on Tuesday evening.According to officers, the victim was driving northbound along the A6 New Bedford Road, heading away from Wardown Park at around 8.30pm. Investigators believe the incident began when a black Ford Kuga carrying two men flashed its headlights behind the victim’s car between Cranleigh Gardens and Graham Gardens. The driver pulled over to allow the vehicle to pass, but the Ford reportedly stopped directly in front of him instead. All three men then got out of their vehicles before one of the suspects allegedly assaulted the victim, possibly using a weapon during the attack. The suspects later fled the scene, continuing north along the A6 towards the BP garage. The injured man was taken to hospital, where he is being treated for injuries described as potentially life-changing. Bedfordshire Police are now urging anyone who witnessed the incident, or motorists who may have captured dashcam footage in the area at the time, to contact them with information.Detective Constable Ellie Smith, of Bedfordshire Police, said: “This was a vicious assault which has caused very serious injuries.“It is vital that anyone who knows anything about this attack comes forward so we can trace the culprits.”Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.

New police dogs join the team across four countiesAuthor: Grace McGachy Published 4 hours agoFour new police dogs have successfully completed their training and are now part of the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and Hertfordshire (BCH) Dog Unit.The canine recruits, Murphy, Madden, Dixon, and Muzza, along with their handlers, Sergeant Dan Amos, PC Dale Jenkins, PC Josh Westgate, and PC Liam Mandrell, officially joined the team following a ceremony at Hertfordshire Constabulary’s headquarters earlier this month. The intense 13-week General Purpose Initial Course equipped the dogs with essential skills in scent tracking, searching, obedience, agility, chasing, and detaining. Notably, PD Muzza and PD Murphy were named in tribute to two BCH Armed Policing Unit officers, Sergeant Dan Murphy and former PC Paul Murray, who both passed away last year. Family members of the late officers attended the ceremony, where they received special commemorative plaques, marking the legacy of their loved ones. Chief Superintendent Jon Hutchinson, speaking at the event, highlighted the officers’ profound impact on policing, complementing their professionalism and dedication to service.According to Chief Inspector Declan McDonagh, who leads the BCH Dog Unit, the new recruits embody the legacy and commitment of the officers they honour.“I am incredibly proud to welcome four new dogs to the team, who will be out on the streets sniffing out crime and helping to protect the public alongside their handlers,” he said.Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.

A proposed residential development could deliver new homes, affordable housing and green space on the edge of Potton.
Bellway Strategic Land has submitted outline plans to Central Bedfordshire Council for a development of up to 180 homes on a 22-acre site north of Myers Road.
The proposals include a mix of one to five-bedroom properties, including bungalows, with almost a third earmarked as affordable housing through low-cost rent or shared ownership.
Alongside the homes, more than ten acres of green infrastructure would be created, including public open space, children’s play areas, and new walking and cycling routes.
The scheme could support the future expansion of the Potton Green Wheel, a long-term project aimed at improving links between green spaces and public routes around the town.
Plans also include a new access road from Everton Road, an emergency access point via Myers Road, and upgrades to nearby junctions and pedestrian links, including routes to Potton Primary School.
Matthew Gransbury, strategic land and planning associate for Bellway, said: “There is a significant and growing need for new housing in Central Bedfordshire. 
“Our proposals for the site at Myers Road would help to address this identified shortfall across the district whilst also meeting the recognised demand for smaller-sized properties for first-time buyers and downsizers within Potton itself.
“With almost 3000 households on the district’s housing waiting list, the need for affordable homes is particularly acute. 
“This development would provide 30 per cent affordable housing in line with the council’s policy requirements.
“Prior to submitting our planning application, we conducted an extensive consultation process which involved engagement with the local planning authority, ward councillors, Potton Town Council, and residents. 
“Feedback received during this process was integral in shaping the proposals to balance the requirement for new housing with the need to respect the countryside setting.
“As a result, the maximum number of homes proposed has reduced from 200 to 180, allowing for an increased green buffer between the development and the existing properties on Myers Road. 
“Proposed allotments have been changed in favour of more tree planting and community orchards, which could serve as outdoor educational spaces to connect residents with nature.”

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The Accelerating AI Conference 2026 will return to Milton Keynes on Tuesday 9 June 2026, convening business leaders, technology specialists, public sector partners and regional support organisations to examine how artificial intelligence can be adopted in practical, responsible and commercially viable ways.
Taking place at The Ridgeway Centre, Wolverton Mill, the half-day conference will focus on real-world AI adoption for businesses across Milton Keynes, Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire and the wider South Midlands.

The event will open with networking from 8:30am, with the main conference programme beginning at 9:00am and concluding at 2:00pm.

Delivered with the support of a broad group of regional partners, speakers and business organisations, the conference is designed to move beyond the hype around AI and give attendees useful, actionable insight into where the technology is already creating value.

Partners and contributors include the South Midlands Growth Hub, Milton Keynes City Council, the British Business Bank, the University of Bedfordshire, techUK, Business MK, and speakers from businesses including Fliweel.tech, Qoob, Dragon IS, Zoho UK and Smart City Consultancy.

Accelerating AI Conference 2026 is aimed at business owners, senior leaders, marketing teams, operational decision-makers and SMEs that want to better understand how AI can support productivity, innovation, customer experience and growth.

The programme will explore how AI is changing day-to-day business operations, from automation and digital employees to Microsoft Copilot, AI-led marketing, autonomous robotics, regional business support, public sector adoption and access to finance.

Confirmed speakers include Andy Paul, Founder and CEO of Fliweel.tech, who will explore how AI agents are evolving into operational digital workers; Matthew Rigby-White, Managing Director at Qoob, who will discuss how businesses can build marketing teams that work effectively alongside AI; and Lionel Naidoo, Managing Director of Dragon IS, who will examine Microsoft Copilot, agents and the opportunity for every organisation.

The line-up also includes Robert Simpson, Director of Business Development at Zoho UK; Ian Pulford, Director at Smart City Consultancy and Head of Ohmio UK; Lisa Beckett, Head of Customer, Data and Insight at Milton Keynes City Council; Lewis Stringer from the British Business Bank; Dr Ed Braund from the University of Bedfordshire; and Usman Ikhlaq, Programme Manager for Artificial Intelligence at techUK.

The conference builds on three previous Accelerating AI events held at MK:U and Aiimi, which collectively welcomed more than 400 attendees. Featured as part of Milton Keynes Tech Week in 2025, the event continues to support the region’s ambition to become a leading hub for digital innovation, business growth and responsible AI adoption.

This year’s conference is expected to welcome more than 150 guests to The Ridgeway Centre, one of Milton Keynes’ prominent event venues.

Speaking ahead of the event, Matthew Rigby-White, Managing Director at Qoob and one of the event’s co-organisers and speakers, said: “AI is moving quickly, but many businesses are still trying to understand what it means for them in practical terms. This conference is about bringing together people who are already applying AI across different sectors, so attendees can hear what is working now, what is coming next and how to take sensible, confident steps forward.

“What makes the event valuable is the mix of perspectives. It is not just about one company or one technology. It is about connecting businesses with practical examples, regional support, funding guidance and people who can help them turn interest in AI into action.”

Alongside speaker sessions and expert insight, attendees will have the opportunity to connect with regional support organisations and learn more about funding, advisory services and growth programmes available to SMEs.

The South Midlands Growth Hub will share guidance on funded support available across Bedfordshire, Milton Keynes and Northamptonshire, including 1:1 advisory support, specialist programmes, Network & Learn events and information on the next round of grant funding due to open in July 2026.

The British Business Bank will also be represented, offering insight into access to finance and investment support for smaller businesses across the region.

Representatives from Milton Keynes City Council, the University of Bedfordshire and techUK will contribute perspectives on public sector AI adoption, regional innovation, research, skills and the wider national technology landscape.

Matthew Rigby-White added: “Businesses do not just need inspiration around AI; they need a clearer route forward. By bringing together technology specialists, support organisations, public sector leaders and regional partners, the conference is designed to help people leave with useful ideas, stronger connections and practical next steps.”

Event details

Event: Accelerating AI Conference 2026
Date: Tuesday, 9 June 2026
Time: Networking from 8:30am, conference starts at 9:00am, event closes at 2:00pm
Venue: The Ridgeway Centre, Featherstone Road, Wolverton Mill, Wolverton, Milton Keynes
Agenda: To be confirmed

Connect with nature, learn new skills and celebrate our environment at a series of amazing free events as part of Big Green Week at The Higgins Bedford. 
Great Big Green Week is the UK’s biggest celebration of action on climate change and nature, bringing together communities across the country to take part in practical, positive action. 
And on Saturday 13 June at The Higgins Bedford, visitors can enjoy learning new skills like whittling or wood carving, relax and unwind during Liz Burfield’s forest bathing and mindful doodling session, or explore nature on the smartphone discovery walk.
There will be fun for younger audiences too. Nature’s Playground will be running snail-themed crafts, dressing-up, stories and sensory play for children aged three to eight. And there will be information stands from community groups Country Days, seed planting with Zesti Foundation and more. 
Bedfordshire Natural History Society (BNHS) will be there with a nature table and volunteers that can help visitors find out more about the huge variety of wildlife to be found across the county and how we can all work to support nature conservation locally. 
Volunteers from The Higgins will be running a plant stall with a beautiful array of indoor and outdoor plants for sale. All proceeds from the plant stall help support and develop the gardens around The Higgins Bedford. 
All events are funded through ACE (Arts Council England) as part of The Higgins Bedford’s project. 
There are many more Green Week events happening around the Borough, including events at John Bunyan Museum, Bedfordshire Libraries and Panacea Museum. Explore the full listings of events at www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk or www.greatbiggreenweek.com 
 
Event Listing
The Higgins Bedford – Saturday 13 June 11am-4pm
Whittling Taster Session – 11am-12.30, 1-2.30pm and 3-4pm
Booking Essential Suitable for adults and supervised children aged 10-plus.
Higgins Plant Stall 11am-4pm
Suitable for all.
Country Days Nature Table 11am-4pm
Suitable for all.
Zesti Foundation Seed Planting 11am-4pm
Suitable for all.
BNHS (Bedford Natural History Society) Nature Table 11am-4pm
Suitable for all.
Nature’s Playground 2-4pm
Drop-in. Suitable for children aged three to eight.
Smartphone Discovery Walk 2-3.30pm
Booking Essential. Suitable for adults and supervised children aged 10-plus.
Canopy & Craft Taster Session 3- 4.30pm
Booking Essential. Suitable for adults. 
 
www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk for more information
 
Events at John Bunyan Museum
Saturday 13 June 10am-2pm
Seed Swap
Book Swap
Children’s Craft Activities
www.bunyanmeeting.co.uk for more information
 
Events at Panacea Museum
Saturday 6 June 
Charity Plant Stall 11am-4.30pm
Sustainability Information Table 11am -4.30pm
 
Saturday 13 June
Craft Stash Swap 11.30am- 3.30pm 
Charity Plant Stall 11am- 4.30pm
 
Events at Bedfordshire Libraries
From 6-14 June take part in nature-themed treasure hunts at all libraries. 
Enjoy nature themed Rhymetime sessions throughout the week.

Northamptonshire Steelbacks Women return to T20 action tomorrow as they face Bedfordshire & Huntingdonshire Women at Desborough Town CC.

In the previous round, the Steelbacks cruised to a nine-wicket victory over Herefordshire Women at the cinch County Ground as Amelia Kemp struck an unbeaten half century.

Tier 3 Bedfordshire & Huntingdonshire will go into the game as underdogs but the competition has already shown that any result is possible. They beat Lincolnshire Women by four runs in a thriller at Dunstable Town CC.

Bedfordshire & Huntingdonshire posted 130/7 from their 20 overs and they held their nerve in the field to secure their spot in the next round.

For the Steelbacks Gemma Marriott is back on captain duties, while Emma Gibbs will take the gloves from Chloe Hill. Seamer Liz Russell returns to the fold after missing the Steelbacks One Day Cup defeat to Sussex last week.

Play starts at 2pm at Desborough Town CC on Sunday and entry is free to all spectators. A limited livestream will also be available on the Steelbacks TV YouTube channel.

Steelbacks squad to face Bedfordshire & Huntingdonshire:

Gemma Marriott (c), Beth Ascott, Ava Clive, May Drinkell, Emma Gibbs (wk), Chloe Hill, Amelia Kemp, Anisha Patel, Elina Patel, Ella Philips, Liz Russell, Lenny Sims